What were Bapu’s last words after being shot?

Mahatma Gandhi was shot by Nathuram Godse on 30 January 1948 at Birla Bhawan in Delhi. There has been debate many times over what Gandhiji had said a few moments before his death.

When Bapu was shot, his last words were ‘Hey Ram’. Saying this he fell on the ground.

Gandhiji had said in Noakhali, Bangladesh – ‘If I die of some disease, then accept that I was arrogant and like Ravana on this earth. Only if I die reciting the name of Ram will I be considered a true celibate and a true Mahatma.

When Bapu was going to the Birla temple for prayers, Abha (granddaughter) and Manu (granddaughter-in-law) were on either side of him. Abha had clearly heard that the last word that came out of Bapu’s mouth was ‘Hey Ram’.

Bapu always used to listen to bhajans and also used to hum. One of the bhajans was on Ram ji, ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’, this reflects Bapu’s undying love for Ram.

Whether Gandhi said ‘Hey Ram’ while dying or not, he definitely dreamed of establishing Ramrajya in the country.